Study: The effects of a moderate physical activity intervention on physical fitness and cognition in healthy elderly with low levels of physical activity: a randomized controlled trial. Image Credit: Ground Picture / Shutterstock
In the current randomized controlled trial, scientists have investigated whether a 35% or more induction in physical activity leads to an improvement in physical fitness, cognitive functioning, and overall well-being in healthy elderly individuals with a low level of physical activity. The duration of the trial was nine months.
Related StoriesThe participants in the STRETCH group were subjected to seven individually guided muscle stretching sessions conducted for a period of six months. This group was treated as the control group. At baseline, female participants had a lower walking speed than male participants. However, after the intervention, female participants achieved a significantly higher walking speed compared to control participants. Considering male participants, no significant difference in walking speed was observed between the intervention and control groups.
Participants with an intended increase in physical activity A separate comparison was performed in the trial between participants who did achieve or did not achieve an intended improvement in physical activity of 35% or more. The participants who achieved the intended improvement were younger and had a higher level of cognitive activity at baseline.